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A Legend of Cannon Falls 


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by S. S. Lewis 


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Cannon Falls, Minnesota 


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1911 


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Copyright 1911 by 
S. S. Lewis 



©CI.A303371 



Foreword. 




LL who have resided in Can- 
non Falls or vicinity for 
any length of time still re- 
tain a memory of the beau- 
tiful cascade on the Cannon 
River, locally known as the 
"Big Falls," as well as of 
the surrounding scenery of 
unsurpassed lovliness. The cascade and all 
adjacent scenery were obliterated when the great 
dam was built across the river's channel, 
about a half a mile below the cascade, during 
the summer of 1910. The falls are now buried 
under many feet of water and "The Lovers' 
Way," a romantic and narrow path that lay 
between precipitous rocks on one side and the 
steep river bank on the other, and many feet 
above the water level, has also been submerged. 
By the construction of the dam the whole as- 
pect of the landscape tvas changed. Where 
the water flowed down the cascade, the trees 
grew along the banks, the springs gushed forth 



from the hills, and farms and meadows 
spread, there is now a lake of several miles in 
circuit. While it is true that man would still 
remain in his primitive state if he did not seize 
upon and use for his happiness and advance- 
ment all advantages that nature holds, it is equal- 
ly true that we cannot endure lasting separation 
from any object that we have learned to ad- 
mire or love without feeling the sting of regret, 
even though it be but a pleasing landscape. 
We, of this generation, cannot forget that 
beautiful cascade on the Cannon River, nor 
the enchanting scenery that surrounded it, 
where we have so often met in groups and par- 
ties to spend a summer day in mutual enjoy- 
ment and recreation. To those who come after 
us the lake will be to them, no doubt, as beau- 
tiful and attractive as the falls were to us, for 
a lake has its charms as well as a cascade. To 
my friends who have with me so often ad- 
mired the scenes that are so imperfectly de- 
scribed in the following story, this volume is 
inscribed with every kind feeling that comes 
from a thankful heart. 

S. 8. LEWIS. 

Cannon Falls, Minnesota, November u, igu . 



Eumeemie 



The summer sun in splendor rolled 
Through western portals tinged with gold, 
And slowly sank unto his rest 
Bej^ond the Islands of the Blest, 
Of whose fair shores and lovely clime 
Sang bards of eld in verse sublime. 
But ere he disappeared from view 
A myriad rays to earthward threw 
That caught upon each lofty spire 
And bathed it in celestial fire, 
Like that which glowed on Roman spear 
When Egypt's armies hovered near 
And thrilled each soldier with the thought 
That gods with Roman legions fought. 
The golden beam shot through the bower 
And passing kissed each blushing flower 
And on the rivers, lakes and bays 
Resplendent shone the brilliant rays, 
And on the lofty hill, and plain, 
In showers fell the golden rain, 



Eumeemie 



Till all the earth with glories glowed 
With beams the setting sun bestowed. 
E 'en then it seemed he fain would rest 
To longer view the land he blessed 
With glittering rays that he had thrown, 
Baptized in glories all his own. 
But ere he sank beyond the view, 
And all his rays from earth he drew, 
A picture in unnumbered dyes 
Threw on the canvas of the skies. 
No painter not of heavenly mould 
Could e'er combine the red, the gold, 
The purple, pink, in changing hue 
So bright yet pleasing to the view, 
As this fair picture which the sun 
Threw on the clouds when day was done. 
And as the sunset glories glow, 
In beauty wraps the world below, 
So do the rays of love divine 
Within the soul serenely shine, 
Of him who turns his thoughts to Heaven 
In grateful mien for favors given, 
While mirrored glories from the throne 
Of God around the heart is sown 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 



Or painted there, a burning scroll, 
Upon the tablets of the soul. 
And now the soothing western breeze 
Comes softly sighing through the trees 
Where birds concealed the leaves among 
In rapture raise their vesper song, 
Stops to caress the rose's bloom 
And bear away its rich perfume, 
Now fans the cheek of maiden fair, 
Or smoothes the furrowed brow of care, 
Or fragrance from the flowers spread 
Above the patient's fevered head, 
Like angel fair to whom is given 
A mission from the courts of heaven 
To bless the world, and on her wings 
Refreshing balm and healing brings. 

27. 

Amid these scenes at close of day 
To Cannon's banks I took my way 
As oft before when earth and skies 
Were limned with Nature's glowing dyes, 
And all around, and from above, 



Eumeemie 



Came messages of peace and love 

To soothe a soul with cares oppressed 

And calm the sorrows in his breast. 

I loved to see the waters flow 

And list to music sweet and low, 

In numbers charming to the soul 

As sung by waves that smiling roll. 

They mind me in their soothing chime 

Of that resistless tide of time 

That on its bosom carries me 

Fast onward to eternity, 

And of the harmonies that spread 

Around the soul when it has fled 

And reached its home of peace and rest 

Where anthems swell from chorus blessed. 

in. 

Alas, how changed was all the scene — 
No pine tree dressed in living green 
There prostrate lay the stately oak 
Hewn by the woodman's cruel stroke, 
No poplar reared its branches high 
To catch the gleam of morning sky, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 



And through the aspen's trembling leaves 

The mournful breeze no longer grieves, 

The spreading elm whose friendly shade 

Invited rest was lowly laid. 

No tree was left where bird may sing 

Nor bush whereon a nest may cling. 

Yet once it was a lovely place 

Where Nature showed a smiling face, 

Endowed it rich with charming views 

That would the soul of him enthuse 

Who came to hold communion sweet 

With Nature in her fair retreat, 

Of Minnesota's scenes the gem, 

The fairest in her diadem. 

But now it seemed that all around 

A desert bleak and dreary frowned, 

And I would fain my steps retrace, 

Forever leave the dismal place 

Where heart grew sick at ruin wrought, 

A ruin there that Commerce brought. 

For Commerce comes, the scene invades, 

Fast fall the groves ; all beauty fades 

From rivers, woods and flow'ry banks 

Where'er the chain of Commerce clanks. 



10 Eumeemie 



For Commerce comes with love for gain 
And binds the Cannon in his chain, 
A captive doomed henceforth to be 
And roll no longer wild and free. 
Its murmuring waves are heard no more, 
All beauty fades upon its shore 
And all the glories of the stream 
Are only now a pleasing dream. 
Across its pathway high are thrown 
Strong bars of steel and walls of stone 
That hold it in its captor's hand 
To answer only his command. 
And though it toils to break the chain 
That holds it captive, 'tis in vain, 
Then backward turns from prison walls 
To bury deep the laughing falls. 

IV. 

And there as shades of ev'ning fell 
Amid the scenes I'd loved so well 
That were of yore in beauty dressed 
I lingered still, while to my breast 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 11 

A sadness came that ruin e'er 
Should devastate a scene so fair. 
But as the fondest hopes depart 
Before possession thrills the heart, 
And as the peace for which we yearned 
Is often into ashes turned, 
So is the scene that most we prize 
Ordained to change, and changing dies. 
I do not envy men who seek 
The blooms upon fair Nature's cheek 
To barter them for stores of gold, 
And all the gain by self controlled, 
And yet I feel that they should make 
A fair return for what they take 
To fellowmen and thus impart 
Some blessing to a brother's heart. 



And there reclining on the bank 
In meditation deep I sank 
Nor heeded not that daylight fled 
And. somber shades around me spread. 



12 Eumeemie 



It bound me there, some magic spell, 
For still I mused while twilight fell 
Upon the stream that slowly flowed 
And on the waves the starlight glowed. 
The firefly left his distant camp 
And wavered bj^ with flick 'ring lamp 
While plaintive notes of whippoorwill 
Came floating from the lofty hill, 
And murmurs from the cascade came, 
Not loudly now, but low and tame, 
Its moanings seemed so sad, subdued, 
As if with knowledge 'twas endued 
That ere the dawn should gild the east 
Its murmurs had forever ceased. 
'Twas then I saw a form emerge 
From shadows at the river's verge 
And slowly move along the sand 
And pebbles white that lined the strand. 
Of human form it seemed to be, 
And yet it moved more light and free 
As if th' ambient air it trod 
Instead of earth's insensate sod. 
But unobserved, alone, I thought 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 13 

I had this scene at evening sought 

And dreamed no human form was near 

To break my meditations here, 

The while I lingered on the bank 

As daylight fled and shadows sank. 

Or was it but the gauzy mist, 

That passing breeze could not resist, 

And meekly wavered to and fro 

And moved as breezes chanced to blow, 

That I had seen with faulty sight 

Through falling shadows of the night. 

But then again it moved, and stood 

As if it gazed upon the flood, 

Or if its ear were more content 

To listen to the sad lament 

That from the falls in sad despair 

Was wafted on the evening air. 

And then the form with silent feet 

Seemed to approach my lone retreat, 

And as it near, and nearer drew, 

And more distinct within my view, 

The outlines of a human face 

I thought I could but faintly trace. 



14 Eumeemie 



But when it closely to me came 

Through ev'ry fiber of my frame 

Was sent a strange and sudden chill, 

It seemed my heart grew cold and still, 

For not a form of flesh and blood 

In awful silence 'fore me stood, 

A spirit there, from realms of light 

Now wand 'ring back through shades of night 

Or some foul fiend from depths below 

That came to mock me in my woe. 

And doubting still, as in a maze, 

I on the spirit fixed my gaze, 

While reason came, resumed her throne 

That fear had seized and claimed his own, 

And slowly left my rustic seat 

And thus I did the spirit greet: 

' ' Say, spirit of the earth or air, 

Why stand so mute, so silent there, 

And fill with awe a troubled breast 

That hungers for a moment's rest, 

And drive yet deeper sorrow's dart 

Into a sad and suff'ring heart. 

Why came you to this solitude 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 15 

And thus unseeming do intrude 
Upon my meditations deep 
Where I commune with Nature keep ? 
Perchance you come from worlds afar 
Beyond that bright and beaming star 
And with you tender message bear 
From those I love now dwelling there. 
Or do you rise from nether gloom 
To warn me of impending doom, 
Tear hopes of mercy from my breast 
And bar my soul from lasting rest. 
And if your message teems with hate, 
With burning words pronounce my fate, 
I will not turn on coward feet 
But calmly here my sentence meet, 
But should the message that you bring 
With love and hope and mercy ring, 
An aching heart will once be blessed 
And soothed the sorrows of my breast. 
Speak, silent shade, your thoughts reveal. 
My heart grows cold, my senses reel, 
Speak, spirit, speak, that I may know 
If you bring peace or deeper woe." 



] 6 Eumeemie 



And as I ceased in trembling tone 
A halo 'round the spirit shone 
That seemed as though the glowing rays 
Of heavenly fire to earthward strays 
When disembodied spirits roam 
Afar from their celestial home 
And in its glories wrap them 'round 
That man may know 'tis holy ground 
On which he treads, and it was blessed 
By spirit's feet that on it pressed. 
By the refulgent rays that shed 
Their light around the spirit's head 
I saw it was a woman's face 
Where easily the eye could trace 
The lines of beauty and repose 
Though pallid as the driven snows. 
And yet there seemed a sadness there, 
One born of sorrow, not despair, 
The onty mark that marred the grace 
Upon the calm and lovely face. 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 



VI. 

And when the spirit silence broke 

It seemed a strain of music woke 

From sweet toned harp when minstrel flings 

His hand along the sounding strings, 

And rich and pure as song of birds 

Came flowing forth the tuneful words — 

And thus to me the story told 

That I to you again unfold: 

"Stay, mortal stay, thy doubts and fears, 

No evil spirit thus appears 

To bring one sorrow to your heart 

But fain would bid them all depart. 

A spirit who long years has striven 

To please the high commands of Heaven, 

And who for you, and all your race, 

Has prayed that all the love and grace 

That the Great Spirit has and holds 

May wrap in its all-loving folds 

And soothe the sighs in ev'ry breast 

That calls to Him for peace and rest. 

A disembodied spirit, true, 

That startles now your soul and view, 



18 Eumeemie 



But comes it not on evil bent 

Nor malice or of ill intent, 

But comes to you in friendly mien 

With hope that naught may intervene 

To mar the converse here we hold 

Where shades of night are 'round us rolled. 

It comes this night, the last that e'er 

Shall hold this troubled spirit here 

It's plaintive tale to mortal tell 

Before it bids a last farewell 

To all the scenes through time and tide 

It guarded with a zealous pride. 

I leave the scenes, oft wet by tears, 

That I have watched through fleeting years, 

And that which mars your bosom's peace 

To me it brings a sweet release, 

For I have heard your sad lament 

About the ruin that is sent 

Upon these banks so loved of yore 

Where beauty fades to bloom no more. 

And though I mourn when mortals grieve, 

The hour has come when I shall leave 

All earthly things I loved, or knew, 

To earthly beauty bid adieu, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 19 

To the Hereafter take my flight 
Where shadows fail and all is light. 

VII. 

"Then mortal give attentive ear 

And listen to the tale you hear. 

'Tis one of sorrow, love and truth 

And not an idle one, forsooth, 

With gems of fancy fine arrayed, 

That quickly will from mem'ry fade, 

Nor leave upon the mind a trace 

Or in the heart a dwelling place. 

Now backward to far distant days 

My memory retentive strays 

To all I was, or am, on earth, 

My name, my nation and my birth. 

Eumeemie was an Indian child 

Born in the then far western wild 

Long ere ' the foot of white man ' came 

With the red rose's cheek of flame 

To vie, and mix its sweet perfume 

With flowers that in the wildwood bloom. 



20 Eumeemie 



From far toward the rising sun, 
Where the Father of Waters run, 
Back to the distant mountains blue, 
Roamed and ruled the mighty Sioux. 
'Twas here they dwelt; as hunters bold 
Through summer's heat or winter's cold, 
Pursued the bison and the deer, 
On distant plains or forest near, 
And here upon this sacred ground 
Their tepees clustered close around, 
And here they came from war or chase 
To rest within this lovely place. 
Here high above the river's strand 
Upon the bank whereon we stand, 
Beneath the shadows of the wood, 
'Twas here my father's tepee stood, 
And here was born the Indian maid 
Whose spirit comes in sombre shade 
To tell of joys that could not last 
And of the sorrows of the past. 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 21 



Fill. 

' ' Her only child my mother loved, 
And alway her devotion proved 
And reared me with that tender care 
That only loving mothers bear. 
And oft at eve she sat and sung 
While from a bough my cradle hung, 
Swayed by the breath of summer breeze 
That wandered through the forest trees. 
And as she sang in plaintive tone 
A melody would join her own 
From tones that o'er the cascade fell 
And sang while flowing through the dell. 
And to this music sweet and low, 
My cradle swinging to and fro, 
How oft has slumber o'er me crept 
While mother constant vigils kept. 
'Sleep, now Eumeemie,' she would sing, 
'Sleep now, Eumeemie, for the spring 
Has brought for you each lovely flower 
That blooms in ev'ry wildwood bower, 
The lily and the crimson rose 
That sweetens ev'ry gale that blows; 



22 Eumeemie 



The bluebells bloom along the brink 

Of brooks where water cresses drink, 

And dandelion's yellow hair 

Is waving on the prairies there, 

And spring has brought you ev'ry flower 

That blooms in ev'ry wildwood bower, 

So sleep, Eumeemie, sweetly sleep 

While mother doth her vigils keep. 

Sleep now, Eumeemie, for the spring 

Has brought you all the birds that sing; 

The robin with his painted breast 

That sings so sweetly near the nest, 

The orioles whose voices swell 

In chorus rich within the dell, 

And the lamenting turtle dove 

Tells of its sorrow in the grove, 

While thrushes sing their sweetest strain 

The bluebirds join in loud refrain. 

The spring has brought his singing band 

And music floats o'er all the land, 

So sleep, Eumeemie, sweetly sleep 

While mother doth her vigils keep.' 

And thus she sang me to repose 

As slumbers sweet my eyelids close. 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 23 



She guarded me, her tender flower, 

At dawning day and ev'ning hour, 

And when the somber shadows fell 

Of midnight in the grove and dell, 

Her gentle arms were 'round me pressed 

And closely held me to her breast. 

And thus my infant days were passed 

Through summer's breeze or winter's blast, 

Beneath my mother's watchful eye, 

And helping hand that e'er was nigh. 

And in my early childhood days 

I wandered through the wildwood maze 

And with the dusky children played 

Beneath the spreading forest shade. 

We plucked the lily from its bed, 

The daisies white and roses red, 

Goldenrod and violet blue, 

All that in wild profusion grew 

And wove them into garlands fair, 

And wore them in our glossy hair, 

Or as a sacrifice we gave 

Them to the Cannon's crystal wave 



24 Eumeemie 



And watched them as they floated on 

Till from our view their hues were gone. 

We saw the swallows swiftly fly 

To yonder steep, and mounting high, 

There build their nests where none intrude, 

To rob them of their precious brood. 

There was no song bird in the grove 

That did not claim my early love 

And my protecting love they knew 

Atnd oft affrighted to me flew 

When some marauding hawk was near 

To fill their hearts with sudden fear. 

And when my father from his toil 

To us returned with hunter's spoil 

As eventide was drawing near, 

We gathered 'round to wait the cheer. 

Then would my mother's smiling face 

Give loving welcome from the chase 

And praise him as a hunter true, 

Who erring arrow never threw, 

For when his trusty bow he bent 

Straight to the mark the arrow went, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 25 



And thus to him kind greeting gave 
And welcomed home her hunter brave. 
Then showed him deer skins white as snow 
That she had tanned, and for his bow 
The sinew strings that would not part 
But swiftly send the feathered dart. 
The moccasins that she had made, 
Bedecked with beads of various shade, 
And all her busy hands had wrought 
Was there before her husband brought, 
Who silent sat, but look intent 
Upon her handiwork was bent, 
Till all was spread before his gaze, 
And then with kindly words of praise, 
Extolled her industry and art 
As pleasing to her husband's heart. 
But when at last to woman grown 
I walked no more the groves alone, 
A warrior brave was by my side 
And I that warrior's promised bride. 



26 Eumeemie 



IX. 

"Waukonda was the noblest brave 
That ever love to woman gave, 
And held the love that she had given 
As sacred as a gift from heaven. 
His love was like the morning sun 
That drives the night and shadows on 
Beyond the forest, hills and streams 
Whereon he sheds his golden beams. 
And oft his courage had been tried 
When 'round him rolled the battle tide, 
No arm like his to deal the blow 
In fury on defiant foe, 
And where his battle cry arose 
There terror fell among his foes. 
But when from battle he returned 
No longer in his bosom burned 
The fires that light the warrior's way 
To deeds of valor in the fray. 
But with a calm and stately mien, 
With tranquil eye and brow serene 
And proudly bearing spear and shield 
He came a victor from the field, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 27 

While I rejoiced with thankful breast 
That I alone his love possessed. 



"Along that path where lovers stray- 
One summer eve we took our way ; 
Above us rolled the glowing moon, 
Around us played the breeze of June, 
We heard the waves below us sweep, 
Rush o'er the rocks and down the steep, 
And saw them in the moonlight glow 
And heard them sighing sweet and low, 
Until the distant sound combines 
With the sweet music of the pines. 
'Twas such a night when lovers true 
Meet soul to soul and then renew 
The solemn vows that each has made 
To last through time, and not to fade 
Like flowers seared by autumn frost 
Or withered leaves by tempest tossed. 
No, we would love, no changing scene 
Would bring one cloud our souls between, 
Through winter snows or summer sun 



28 Eumeemie 



Our constant hearts would throb as one. 
Thus we conversed while glowing moon 
Lit the earth like the sun at noon, 
Thinking not of the moment nigh 
When part we must in sorrow's sigh. 
For while we stayed in that retreat 
A form approached on silent feet, 
Ties, still and silent as the grave, 
It came and to Waukonda gave 
A! message brief in whispered tone, 
Then turned and in an instant gone. 
Waukonda rose, and to me said, 
'Eumeemie, ere the night is fled 
Your lover will be far from you 
To join the war bands of the Sioux. 
Our enemies on war are bent 
And yonder messenger is sent 
To marshal warriors for the fray 
That comes before another day 
Has seen the setting of the sun 
And night has dropped his curtains dun. 
And now, Eumeemie, while I go 
To meet in war this haughty foe, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 29 

A guardian spirit you must be 
Of scenes so loved by you and me. 
Have you in charge the laughing falls, 
This path that leads by frowning walls, 
Where now we walk beneath the moon 
And drink the balmy breath of June. 
And if, perchance, I come no more 
To meet you on this lovely shore, 
My prayer is this that you may stay 
And guard yon cascade day by day, 
Yes, guard it with that tenderness 
That you, and you alone possess, 
Until the waters cease to flow 
Over the rocks and sparkling go 
Singing adown the shady dell 
Where we have ever loved so well. 
When the falls are forever still, 
No echoes come from crag or hill, 
Then from your vigils find release 
And seek me in the realm of peace, 
Far in the happy Spirit Land, 
And there united hand in hand 
We dwell for aye 'mid scenes of bliss 



30 Eumeemie 



And there forget the griefs of this.' 
And then he turned and left my side. 
' 0, stay, Waukonda, stay, ' I cried, 
'One moment more before we part 
To say this fond and faithful heart 
Will gladly your request obey 
And never from my vigils stray, 
But my affection for you prove 
By guarding ev'ry scene you love 
Till you return, or I depart 
To Spirit Land where heart to heart 
And soul to soul again we meet 
And there in lasting union sweet 
We dwell where sorrow never spreads 
Its gloomy wings above our heads.* 
But he was gone. And him no more 
I saw on Cannon's blooming shore. 

XI. 

"And as he vanished from my view, 
As silent as the falling dew, 
Some terror seemed to seize and hold 
My being in its chilling fold, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 31 

For on that night we met the last 

My heart was withered by the blast 

That swept from griefs dark chilling clouds 

And wrapt my heart in icy shrouds. 

I walked along the path alone 

And heeded not the moon that shone, 

Nor caring for the sweet perfume 

That wafted from the rose's bloom, 

Nor scarcely heard the rippling wave 

The margin of the river lave. 

I wandered there while paling moon 

Told of the day approaching soon, 

And saw the glowing morning star 

Mount high in eastern skies afar, 

And saw the advent of the morn 

That told another day was born. 

Then when had set the summer sun 

I heard of battle fought and won, 

Saw stately warriors marching by 

With victor's songs and battle cry, 

But saw not there the eagle plume 

Above the marching warriors loom, 

Waukonda on that evening wore 



32 Eumeemie 



The last we met on Cannon's shore. 

In vain I searched amid the throng 

And begged the warriors cease their song 

And tell me of Waukonda's fate 

Or why he tarried thus so late, 

Say if in battle he was slain 

Or wounded left upon the plain. 

Then to me came the haughty chief 

Whose soul was never torn with grief, 

With heart against emotion sealed 

And thus Waukonda's fate revealed. 

1 Why should a maiden of the Sioux 

With foolish tears the earth bedew 

Because she had a lover brave 

Who scorned to be the foeman's slave 

And went to battle with his band, 

Then valliant fought with heart and hand? 

'Twas he who struck the final blow 

That brought dismay upon the foe, 

For his the bow that sent the dart 

Straight to the cruel chieftain's heart 

Who oft has led marauding bands 

To spoil us of our homes and lands. 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 33 

And then, an archer, hid from view, 
Into "Waukonda's bosom threw 
The feathered shaft; and then he fell 
Just as the last despairing yell 
From foemen came who in defeat 
For forest homes made swift retreat. 
And though the bravest of our band 
Has vanished to the Spirit Land, 
And you no more walk by his side 
His only love and promised bride, 
It must not be that you reveal 
The bitter grief that now you feel, 
But hide it deeply in your breast 
Where it may live but unconf essed. ' 

XII. 

"But little knew the chieftain stern 

How constant fires of love may burn 

Within a woman's faithful soul 

And flames beyond the will's control, 

Nor knew he not that sorrow came 

When e'er was quenched love's sacred flame, 



34 Eumeemie 



Or that to ashes cold and dead 

AH1 peace is turned when hope has fled. 

Then I arose and left the chief 

And wandered forth, for pain and grief 

Had firmly seized me in their grasp 

To loosen nevermore their clasp 

Until my soul would find release 

In Spirit Land, the home of peace. 

I wandered on, I knew not where, 

My soul was seared by dark despair, 

Around me frowned a wilderness, 

And in my heart the deep distress 

That wounded love must ever feel 

While sorrows to the bosom steal. 

And life and light alike to me 

Seemed but to mock my misery, 

And often prayed to Manito 

To end my anguish here below, 

And lead me to the Spirit Land, 

To the Hereafter, where my hand 

Would clasp Waukonda's where he dwells, 

And with him roam ambrosial dells 

'Mid waving pines forever green, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 35 

Through meadows sweet and vales serene, 
Forgetting all of earth so drear 
And all our griefs and sorrows here. 

XIII. 

"But then the vow that I had made 
Would never from my memory fade, 
That vow to guard the scenes he loved 
And where together we had roved 
When love's fair dawn or fullest day 
Threw on our souls its rapt'rous ray. 
And though I well might mourn my fate 
It was my lot to watch and wait 
As through the slowly rolling years 
With aching heart and bitter tears 
1 guarded ev'ry grove and glen 
From ravages by beast or men, 
And saw no ruthless hand was laid 
To mar the beauty of the glade. 
And when the storm in fury broke 
Upon the groves, and stately oak 
Upon the earth was prostrate thrown — 
An acorn there was quickly sown 



Eumeemie 



And watched with all attentive care, 

And sometimes watered with a tear, 

Another oak grew in its stead 

And o'er the ground its branches spread, 

And thus I watched from day to day 

To keep each scene in bright array. 

And when the day began to fade 

How oft I sat by yon cascade 

And thought of days receding fast 

Into the far and distant past, 

When with Waukonda by my side 

I listened to the flowing tide 

And called it music soft and sweet 

Played by the cascade at our feet, 

But now to me they seemed to moan 

In agonies to meet my own. 

But after years of pain and grief 

At last the body found relief 

And here beneath the forest shade 

That tenement of clay was laid, 

That captive held unwilling soul 

That longed to break from its control. 

One sorrow only now remains, 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 37 

One grief alone this spirit pains — 
Tis this that I must linger near 
Till yonder falls no more I hear, 
No echoes from the hillside come 
And all deserted, cold and dumb. 
But see, from yonder walls of stone 
That high across the stream is thrown 
Back to the falls the waters sweep 
To bury them in lasting sleep. 
0, see how fast the waters rise 
And list how fast that murmur dies — 
I scarce can hear one feeble trill 
And not an echo from the hill, 
And fainter still like failing breath 
When smothered by the wings of death. 
'Tis silent now. My watch is o'er. 
To Spirit Land with joy I soar 
To seek my lost Waukonda there — 
Forever free from grief and care, 
Where love and peace forever bloom 
Beyond the portals of the tomb. 
But see, in yonder Northern sky 
How spectral forms go fleeting by, 



38 Ewneemie 



The spirits of some happy band 
Rejoicing in the Spirit Land. 
see ! O see ! that waving plume 
As bright as lightning through the gloom, 
'Tis his, Waukonda 's ! There he stands 
And beckons me with loving hands, 
With love-lit eye and beaming face, 
For me to fly to his embrace. 
And now I go ; I would not stay ; 
Great Manito will guard my way 
Through the untrodden fields of air 
To kindred spirits dwelling there. 
Farewell to earth, all scenes below, 
Now to Waukonda 's arms I go, 
To Spirit Land, the home of peace, 
Where joys abound and sorrows cease." 

XIV. 

Then as she vanished from my sight 
There lingered still a fading light 
As if 'twere left to guide my way 
Through sorrows dark to lasting day, 
And then 'twas swallowed in the gloom 



A Legend of Cannon Falls 39 

And all was silent as the tomb. 

But there afar in Northern skies 

The phantom forms yet sink and rise 

While spectral hands wave banners red 

An instant, then their light has fled. 

And as the light the North illumes 

I thought I saw Waukonda's plumes 

Rise higher in the Northern sky, 

And then I saw him quickly fly 

Through clouds of light that 'round him roll 

And clasp Eumeemie to his soul. 



Notes 



Beyond the Islands of the Blest.'' 

According to the mythology of the ancient 
Greeks the Islands: of the Blessed were located 
near the verge of the Western Ocean, and 
there dwelt their gods, rescued from death, in 
perpetual enjoyment. 



Like that which glowed on Roman spear." 

During Caesar's campaign in Egypt the legions 
were under arms one night during a thunder 
storm, expecting an attack. At times the 
points of the uplifted spears were illuminated 
by a mysterious light which the soldiers ac- 
cepted as a good omen. No doubt the phe- 
nomenon was that electric manifestation com- 
monly known s "St. Elmo's Fire." 



Long ere the foot of white man came." 

The Indians called the white clover the "white 
man's foot." 



It is very generally known that the Indians 
believed that in the Northern Lights, or aurora 
borealis, they saw the spirits of the departed. 



DEC 13 1911 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



dec n «n 



